2008-2009 Dean's Report - Cumberland School of Law - Samford ...

6
Remembering
“Mr. Cumberland”
Advancing the practice of law was a way of life for
Arthur A. Weeks, whether serving at the helm of a
law school or spending time with students in the
classroom. He was a man who had
a passion for the law, and
a countless number
of lives have been
influenced by his
dedication.
Born in Hanceville, Ala., Weeks graduated from
Howard College in 1936. He received his law
degree from University of Alabama Law School
and earned his LL.M. (Master of Law degree) from
Duke University Law School. He spent his initial
postgraduate years practicing as a successful
private attorney before accepting the position of
Dean of Cumberland School of Law in 1948. Weeks
served as Dean of Cumberland School of Law for a
total of three terms, from 1948-1949, 1950-1954,
and 1961-1972.
During this time he saw that the school was
approved by the American Bar Association and
became an accredited law school. He was the first
Dean of Cumberland School of Law of Samford
University (formerly Howard College), and was
responsible for its move from Lebanon, Tenn. to
the Howard College campus in Birmingham. He
also oversaw the construction of Memory Leake
Robinson Hall, and under his leadership enrollment
in the school grew from 61 students to more than
600 students.
“Dean Weeks provided strong leadership through
some of the most turbulent times in Cumberland’s
long history. His superhuman efforts to succeed
in the face of significant adversity and to keep us
moving forward laid the foundation for the great law
school we are today,” said current dean John Carroll,
Arthur A. Weeks
December 2, 1914–August 22, 2009